30 Jun Meet Ashley Ruszczyk!
- Where do you work and what is your title? Ashley Ruszczyk (Phonetic pronunciation is Rus-ick), Associate Director of Financial Aid at Norwalk Community College
- Why did you enter the field of Financial Aid? I started working in the field of Financial Aid in 2007. I quickly developed a passion for assisting students with funding their higher education as well as educating students to be successful in their financial lives as well as their academic lives.
- What do you like most about your job? I love interacting with students, staff, faculty, and other members of the college community.
- Most exotic place you’ve visited? Saint Lucia!
- If you won the lottery, how would you spend your millions? I would buy a house out right with no mortgage, set up a scholarship program to assist the students I serve, and go on many vacations.
- What type of music do you like and, if you had a theme song, what would it be? I like everything from pop to country to even some rap and R&B. My theme song for this time of year (especially in the Financial Aid field) is Let’s Get This Party Started by Pink.
- What is your biggest pet peeve? When people text while driving or walking.
- Who is your favorite author? Emily Giffin
- What is your guilty pleasure? Netflix TV marathons
- What is the last book you read? Love the One You’re With – Emily Giffin
- What was your most favorite training so far and why? I took the NASFAA University online Cost of Attendance class a few years ago. I learned so much about how a COA is determined and what can be included versus what cannot be included. This course helped me to be a better financial aid counselor and was instrumental in my growth which led me to Norwalk Community College.
- Who has been the biggest influence in your life? My parents have always been there for me. They have always supported my choices and my work ethic and morals come from them.
- What do you do when you are not working? I spend my free time with my family and friends. My husband and I are in a monthly bowling league and we also have frequent board game nights with friends.
- Where do you like to go on your vacation and what do you like to do? I enjoy to go on vacations that allow me to soak in the sun and play in the ocean!
- If you had the power, what would you change in the Financial Aid field? If I had the power, what I would most love to do in the Financial Aid field is focus on educating students to be financial responsible. A student can achieve every kind of degree under the sun, but if they are not financially responsible adults their successes will be hindered.
- What is your favorite saying? Tax time is FAFSA time!
- What advice would you give to someone new to the industry? Take it all in, ask questions, and remember you are there to help the students.
- Are you a dog or cat person? Dog
- Where do you call home? Yorktown Heights, New York
- Please tell us a little something about your family: My husband is a Payroll Manager and my parents are retired and enjoy wintering in Florida. My brother also works part time in the Financial Aid field.
- What is something your colleagues would be surprised to know about you? They probably already know…..but I have a corny sense of humor